The PrintPOD Network announces first cloud printing solution for Androids

News Element

09 Jun 2010

Cloud printing is now available on Android-based
smart phones with an application provided by GlobalPrint Systems Inc.

GlobalPrint Systems, a 5-year old venture
founded to enable cloud printing in public spaces, has released an
Android application which enables true cloud printing uploads to its
PrintPOD network. GlobalPrint has units installed in such public space
locations as convention centers, hotels, resorts and airport lounges.
The company’s install base of enabled printers, nodes and kiosks can be
used by consumers to walk up, login, print and go.

According to a release, users can "print to the
cloud" using a number of methods, including the Android SmartPhone.

A consumer can download the free uploader from
the company’s website, then use it from within any Windows based
application by simply choosing File… Print… and choosing the PrintPOD.
Consumers can also print from thumb drives or by sending an email to the
user’s unique email address. Now, users can also use their Android
smart phone to select any document on the phone’s storage, email
folders, SMS text messages or photo gallery. The application is
available now on the Android Market by searching for "PrintPOD."

"What is truly different about our
patent-pending offering is that it is non-destination specific,"
Mislinski said. "Users print to the cloud, not to a specific print
device. Users can find enabled locations using Google Maps (either on a
web browser or with the Android application), approach a device, login,
and choose their document, print and go." Unlike other products which
require the advance selection of a specific printer, entering "release
codes" or finding an open Wi-Fi or Bluetooth printer, the PrintPOD
approach is the ultimate in ease of use.

The simplicity of the implementation relieves
the owner of the printer from having to interact with the user, but it
encourages "stickiness" — the consumer will stay at the coffee shop,
bookstore, or other public location and use more services since printing
is available. For example, the job seeker working on her resume at a
coffee shop will now buy more coffee since output is now available.
Owners of print devices also enjoy revenue from these consumer
interactions, underwriting the total cost of ownership of a device they
most likely already own to print emails, invoices, customer orders and
other general business documents. The site owner can now move the
printer from the back office to the public space, encouraging consumer
use and capturing more consumer transactions.